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Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Answer

Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what guidance he is offering to local authorities on the use of the predicted rates of household formations in drawing up local development plans. [73917] Mr. Raynsford: [holding answer 3 March 1999]: Planning Policy Guidance note 11 "Regional Planning", a draft of which was published for consultation on 15 February, makes clear that regional planning bodies should work with Government Offices and other regional stakeholders to establish the level of housing required to meet the region's housing needs. In making this assessment, the Government's latest published household projections should be taken into account. Urban capacity studies should also be undertaken. Against this background of need and capacity, regional planning bodies are expected to take a realistic and responsible approach to future housing provision and should justify their views at the public examination of draft regional planning guidance. In preparing development plans (structure plans and UDPs) local authorities will be expected to reflect the housing figures set out in Regional Planning Guidance issued by the Secretary of State. Outside UDP areas, local plans are expected to be in conformity with the relevant structure plan.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

73917; 326 c841W

Session

1998-99

Subjects

Housing Households Forecasts Local government Regional planning and development Unitary development plans